Axis Bank Select Credit Card vs Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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The Axis Bank Select Credit Card and the Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card both offer distinct benefits catering to different spending habits and preferences. Axis Bank Select focuses on premium rewards with extensive lounge access and milestone bonuses, while the IRCTC SBI Premier card emphasizes travel-related rewards, especially for IRCTC users. Both cards have forex markup fees and fuel surcharge waivers but differ in fee structures and lounge access types.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | Axis Bank Select Credit Card | Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Axis Bank | SBI Cards |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs.3000 | — |
| Annual / renewal fee | Second Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.3000 | Annual Fees - Rs.1499 |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.8 Lakh For Waiver of Annual Fee | Spend Rs.2 Lakhs For Waiver of Renewal Fee |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 10 EDGE Reward Points Per Rs.200 | Earn 1 Reward Points Per Rs.125 Spent on Retail |
| Lounge — domestic | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter | Enjoy 8 Complimentary Railway Lounge Access in a Year |
| Lounge — international | 12 Complimentary International Airport Lounge Access | — |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Benefit - 10000 EDGE REWARD Points | Get 1500 Reward Points on Payment of Annual Fee |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 5000 EDGE Reward Points on Spend of Rs.3 Lakhs | Earn 2500 Reward Points on Travel; Earn 5000 Reward Points on Travel |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
For rewards, the Axis Bank Select Credit Card provides accelerated EDGE Reward Points with a welcome bonus and milestone rewards, making it attractive for general retail spending and milestone achievers. It offers 2X points on retail spends and a redemption rate of Rs.0.20 per point. In contrast, the IRCTC SBI Premier card offers targeted rewards with up to 10% value back on IRCTC travel bookings and 5% back on air tickets and e-catering via IRCTC, along with points on dining and utilities. This card is more beneficial for users who frequently spend on travel and dining, especially through IRCTC channels.
Which is better for travel?
When it comes to travel benefits, the Axis Bank Select card provides a strong advantage with 2 complimentary airport lounge accesses per quarter domestically and 12 international lounge accesses annually. It also offers 6 complimentary golf rounds per year upon meeting spending criteria. The IRCTC SBI Premier card, however, offers 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses annually, focusing more on rail travelers. While the Axis Bank card covers both domestic and international airport lounges, the IRCTC SBI card is more specialized for railway travel and IRCTC-related bookings.
Which has lower effective cost?
Regarding fees, the Axis Bank Select Credit Card has a higher joining and renewal fee of Rs.3000 each, which can be waived by spending Rs.8 lakh annually, making it suitable for high spenders. The IRCTC SBI Premier card charges a lower renewal fee of Rs.1499, waived on Rs.2 lakh annual spend, and does not mention a joining fee. Both cards have a forex markup fee of 3.5% and offer a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. Overall, the IRCTC SBI Premier card is more cost-effective for moderate spenders, while Axis Bank Select is geared towards premium users.
Lounge Access Focus
Axis Bank Select Credit Card offers a comprehensive lounge access package with both domestic airport lounges and a significant number of international airport lounge visits, making it suitable for air travelers. In contrast, the IRCTC SBI Premier card provides complimentary railway lounge access, catering specifically to train travelers.
Milestone Rewards and Spend Thresholds
The Axis Bank Select card requires a higher annual spend of Rs.8 lakh to waive fees and offers milestone rewards on Rs.3 lakh spend, targeting premium users. The IRCTC SBI Premier card has a lower fee waiver threshold of Rs.2 lakh and milestone rewards linked to travel spending, reflecting its focus on travel-related benefits.
Who should pick Axis Bank Select Credit Card?
Consider Axis Bank Select Credit Card if you are looking for a premium credit card with extensive international and domestic airport lounge access, higher reward points on retail spends, and milestone benefits. This card suits high spenders who can meet the Rs.8 lakh annual spend to waive the annual fee and want golf and travel perks alongside flexible reward redemption options.
Who should pick Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card?
Consider Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card if you frequently travel by rail or use IRCTC services, as it offers targeted rewards like 5% back on IRCTC air ticket and e-catering purchases and complimentary railway lounge access. This card is also suitable for moderate spenders seeking a lower renewal fee and rewards on dining, utilities, and retail spends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Axis Bank Select Credit Card charges Rs.3000 as joining and renewal fees, waived on Rs.8 lakh annual spend. Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card has a renewal fee of Rs.1499, waived on Rs.2 lakh annual spend, with no joining fee mentioned.
Axis Bank Select provides 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter and 12 international lounge accesses annually. The IRCTC SBI Premier card offers 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses per year but no airport lounge access.
Yes, both cards charge a forex markup fee of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
Both cards offer a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel purchases.
The Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card offers up to 10% value back as reward points on IRCTC travel bookings, including 5% back on air tickets and e-catering, making it more beneficial for IRCTC users.
Axis Bank Select Credit Card offers 10,000 EDGE Reward Points as a welcome benefit. The IRCTC SBI Premier card provides 1,500 Reward Points upon payment of the annual fee.